A CAMPAIGN reflecting mounting concern over the impact of major developments planned for Coulsdon is gathering pace.
As of Wednesday, 300 people had signed the Save Coulsdon petition, calling on Croydon Council not to approve major planning applications until the draft masterplan for the town has been "robustly scrutinised".
Cane Hill developer Barratt Homes is expected to submit a full planning application over the next few weeks to build more than 650 homes on the site.
The draft masterplan, meanwhile, which sets out a template for the development of key sites in the town, has been open for public comment and the final plan will be considered by the council's cabinet in autumn.
Residents' concerns around the redevelopment of Cane Hill and the Lion Green car park at its foot include pressure on local schools and roads.
Coulsdon parent Norma Maynard, who started the Save Coulsdon campaign, said: "I am concerned that due process is not being carried out, and I am concerned that, barring one man, every person I have spoken to is concerned about the traffic.
"We cannot get any real answers about where the traffic assessments were carried out."
A key concern is the ability of Portnalls Road on the west of Cane Hill to serve as an access route to the development, amid fears the traffic impact is being grossly underestimated
A council spokesman said a traffic assessment for each planning application will be published for comment when statutory consultation on the applications begins.
She said: "Discussions are ongoing with Transport for London. Each planning applicant must demonstrate consideration of the traffic implications of all proposed schemes within the Coulsdon masterplan area; not just their own in isolation."
Cane Hill developers have said Transport for London is opposed in principle to the access route residents are calling for, on the A23 Brighton Road at the southern end of the bypass.
Speaking at a recent public meeting, Barratt project manager Marcia McGinty said: "One of the fundamental principles for Cane Hill is to act as a catalyst for the town centre. If you have an access onto the A23 that will be a cut through, where is the incentive to use the town centre?"
No one from Transport for London was able to provide a comment before the Advertiser went to press.
A council spokesman added: "As mentioned in the petition, the council does take seriously the level of robust scrutiny we give to masterplans and planning applications.
"However, we must also consider a legal duty to determine planning applications within 13 weeks."
